Guide to São Paulo

Guide Contents

BrazilThe second largest city in the world is equally big on style, from sleek hotels to rooftop hangouts and funky lifestyle stores. São Paulo is South America's New York City. While Buenos Aires has European looks and charm, São Paulo has New World vibrancy and the urgency of a 21st-century metropolis. Global designer labels compete with hip Brazilian brands, celebrity chefs create dazzling cuisine drawing on the city's international influences, and the clubs and bars are packed with people so beautiful, they'd be confined to the catwalk in any other country.

Emiliano

The 57-room Emiliano hotel, in the Jardins, São Paulo's
Knightsbridge, is a hip alternative to the Fasano hotel, see below.
The hotel also produces its own CDs and has a resident DJ. There's
a helipad for those who can't face the traffic. Price rating: 0/5

Fasano

Nowhere in São Paulo comes close to the Fasano hotel for
understated luxury. It is worth a visit just to see the interior, a
majestic square space decorated in wood and light-brown suede.
Located in Jardins, it has a breathtaking rooftop spa and the
Baretto bar hosts a constant stream of jazz stars. Price rating: 1/5

Hotel Unique

It's safe to say that the Hotel Unique lives up to its name.
Located in São Paulo's posh Jardins district, close to Ibirapuera
Park, the 95-apartment hotel looms large over the city like an
abstract Noah's Ark washed up on shore. Designed by talented
Brazilian architect Ruy Ohtake, the Unique is pure drama. Cars
ascend a large, circular driveway before reaching sleek,
jagged-edged side-doors, where hulking doormen escort guests to the
reception - a towering, light-filled atrium with contemporary
furniture, modern art and a welcoming glass of chilled Champagne.
The all-white bedrooms with wooden floors are unusually shaped and
come with plasma TVs and remote-control drapes. The bathrooms open
into the main room and turndown service includes freshly baked
chocolate-chip cookies. Breakfast, taken in the sun-drenched
penthouse restaurant, is a healthy yoghurt-and-fruit affair, while
SKYE, the hotel's popular restaurant (it has Continental and
Japanese menus), is incorporated into a rooftop space that includes
a swanky al fresco bar and a red-tiled, 24-metre pool. Price rating: 1/5

Tivoli São Paulo - Mofarrej

Alameda Santos, 1437 (00 55 11 3146 5900)

Tivoli is ideally located just moments from Avenida Paulista, in the heart of the city,
and lends itself well to the business traveller. Although rooms are
on the beige side, each is spacious and features all the mod-cons.
On the 23rd floor, Arola Vintetres serves excellent Spanish
cuisine, and offers some of the best views of the city. The hotel
also boasts the largest presidential suite in
South America, and an outstanding Elements by Banyan Tree
spa.Price rating: 4/5

Leave us a comment on this story

I live here, and really love this city. It is the business capital of the country, and like NY, everyone is always stressed out. However, there are its many advanteges, and you have to know how to pick the neighborhood you will stay at! On my blog i have posted about Sao Paulo's neighborhoods so travelers can get acquainted. http://brazilianguru.com/where-to-stay-in-sao-paulo-neighborhoods/

Brazilian Guru23 Jul 2011

although here you posted just a few places, we have a lot of store to shop. For example, shopping Iguatemi, shopping Ibirapuera, 25 de março street, João Cachoeira street, José Paulino street, and even more.

Eliete Bueno02 Dec 2011

Hi All,
As somebody who loves gastronomy and specially Japanese food, I recommend Guekko Sushi Vila Nova Conceição. It is nearby Vila Olimpia, Itaim and Moema. It is simple and the chef is a nice Japanese called Hiro. Excellent food and services ! I recommend it to groups and lunch meetings, as the location is very convenient: Rua Bastos Pereira, 55.
Cheers
Claudia